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Maui chaff flower

Plant Botanical Name:

Achyranthes splendens

USBG Plant Location:

Conservatory

Conservatory Room Location:

Hawaii

Plant Threat Level:

Endangered

Achyranthes splendens, called the Maui chaff flower, is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and grows at low elevations in exposed dry areas on rocky soil and coralline plains. The most pressing threats to Achyranthes splendens are the destruction of remaining habitat for development and competition from invasive plants, especially the parasitic vine known as love-vine or dodder (Cassytha filiformis). Measures currently being taken to protect populations of Achyranthes splendens and other threatened plant species in Hawaii include weed control, conservation of plants and seeds in botanical gardens and seed banks, and preservation of remaining intact habitat.